KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) — The Ministry of Communications is implementing a Music Industry Development Study to examine issues, challenges and proposed action plans towards empowering the sustainable and dynamic development of the Malaysian music industry.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the study is also refining business models, governance, staffing and specific laws that can support the development of the industry.
“For music, we currently do not have a specific act, therefore the ministry is looking into the best way to ensure that an act is drafted to ensure the welfare, sustainability and development of the music industry.
“We are looking into it and this study also takes into account the views and input of music industry players through the Music Industry Protem Committee,” he said when winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) motion for the Ministry of Communications at the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said a total of 20 members of the Music Industry Protem Committee had been appointed, from various fields including composers, lyricists, recording companies or studios, singers, musicians, Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), publishing companies, association representatives, academicians and event management.
Fahmi said the results of the study would be used as input in determining the availability and need for a specific body to regulate the development of the music industry or to include the music industry in the functions of existing agencies or regulatory bodies.
Regarding the proposed amendments to the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia Act (Finas) 1981 (Act 244), Fahmi said it is expected to be tabled in the upcoming Parliament meeting scheduled for this October.
He said the process of improving the act includes expanding the scope of regulation, governance, functions and enforcement aspects of the act.
Among the proposed amendments under Act 244 is related to the membership of Finas Corporation Members, which falls under the scope of governance which aims to improve the membership structure so that it consists of experienced local film industry players, has an excellent record of achievement in the field of local film and has credibility in fighting for the welfare of industry players.
“It also involves expanding the scope of regulation, including amendments to the interpretation of several key terms such as ‘film’, ‘film production’ and ‘film distribution’.
“In addition, new interpretations have also been introduced, including ‘application’ and ‘content application service’, to further clarify the definition of ‘film’ in line with current technological developments and broadcasting media,” he said.
The proposed amendment also aims to improve the scope of Finas’ functions by detailing its role in the aspects of archiving as well as promotional and marketing activities of local films at the international level and improvements in the scope of enforcement, especially in relation to the implementation of fines and compounds involving licensing under Finas.
Regarding efforts to increase cooperation among musicians within ASEAN, Fahmi said RIUH X ASEAN 2025 will be held this October in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit.
“This is a place where we will showcase musicians not only local but also from ASEAN and this is a good opportunity for us to further strengthen ties between local and foreign musicians, especially to build a spirit among ASEAN countries,” he said.
— BERNAMA
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